Comparison of Propofol, Propofol-remifentanil and Propofol-ketamine Anesthesia During Electroconvulsive Therapy

Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) is a common treatment method used in severe depression and other psychiatric diseases. Currently, most ECT procedures are carried out with muscle paralysis under general anaesthesia. The anticonvulsant properties of sedative and hypnotic drugs used during general anaesthesia may reduce the efficacy of ECT. It is important to establish an accurate balance between adequate anaesthesia depth and optimal seizure duration. We aimed to compare the effectiveness of three anaesthetic regimens (propofol alone, propofol with remifentanil and propofol with ketamine), with respect to seizure duration and seizure quality in patients undergoing electroconvulsive therapy.